Texas Longhorns
Big XII
The Texas Longhorns came into this year with a big question mark at quarterback. There was a lot of worry in Austin following their first season without a bowl a long time. After spending a number of years at the top of college football with Colt McCoy and Vince Young, the Longhorns have finally come back to earth and joined the ranks of the mediocre. The Longhorn Network did not have much to celebrate in its inaugural year.
2011 Record: 7-5, 4-5
Last Bowl Appearance: 2009 BCS Championship Game vs. Alabama (L 21-37)
Big Wins: 11/5 Texas Tech (52-20), 11/24 at Texas A&M (27-25)
Bad Losses: 11/12 at Missouri (17-5), 12/3 at Baylor (48-24)
Coach: Mac Brown (140-39 at Texas, 226-110-1 Overall)
Bowl Record: 8-4 at Texas, 11-7
Offensive Coordinator: Bryan Harsin and Major Applewhite
Defensive Coordinator: Manny Diaz
Strengths:
Texas is forced to run the ball because their passing game is sub par. That being said, they do a good job with their running game. Texas averages over 210 yards on the ground per game. With a good run defense comes a good defensive line. Texas’ defense tallies nearly seven tackles for losses each game. They also do a good job of defending the run on the other side of the ball, giving up just over 100 yards per game. They average nearly 15 yards per punt return. That’s the best in the Big 12 and 8th nationally. Overall, Texas probably has the best defense in the Big 12. The numbers certainly suggest this, but their record does not.
Weaknesses:
Texas’ passing game is pretty awful. They rank 9th in the conference in passing efficiency and average less than 200 passing yards in an offense that calls plays pretty evenly. They are in the red when it comes to turnover margin, meaning they give the ball up more often than they take it away. The final stat that should raise eyebrows for Texas fans is their net punting. Texas averages less than 35 net yards per punt. While this may not seem like a big deal, it means a lot in terms of starting field position. Losing the field position battle in tight games is not conducive to winning.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Malcolm Brown, RB, 707 yards
Passing: Case McCoy, QB, 1034 yards
Receiving: Mike Davis, WR, 561 yards
Tackles: Emmanuel Acho, LB, 120
Sacks: Alex Okafor, DE, 7.0
Interceptions: Quandre Diggs, CB, 3
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 211.27 (21, 3)
Passing Offense: 178.82 (96, 8)
Total Offense: 390.09 (59, 8)
Scoring Offense: 29.09 (54, 8)
Rushing Defense: 95.73 (7, 1)
Pass Defense: 201.82 (35, 1)
Total Defense: 297.55 (9, 1)
Scoring Defense: 21.00 (32, 2)
Turnover Margin: .00 (59, 6)
Sacks: 2.09 (42, 4)
Sacks Allowed: 2.18 (78, 7)
